Message to the National Christian Council in Japan's 36th General Assembly

31 January 2006

Dear Rev. Yamamoto,

The 36th General Assembly of the National Council of Churches takes place ata time when the international community is going through a period of uncertaintyand transition. At this critical juncture Japan and its people are expectedto play a major role in promoting peace and security, not only in the region, butalso globally. Having experienced the horrors of war, the people of Japan valuepeace as few others do. The theme of the General Assembly "Lord Send Me -Towards Peace and Reconciliation" is therefore timely and encouraging. Peacemakingis the major challenge faced by the churches in all the regions. In a troubledand volatile world the space for dialogue and engagement is rapidly shrinking.

As such, churches have to make systematic efforts to create this space forsocieties that are divided and fragmented. In a sinful world of violence and war,churches have to witness for peace, hope and justice. In our endeavours for peacewe have the support of Jesus' teaching: "The Son of Man came not to destroy livesbut to save them." (Luke 9:55)

We in the World Council of Churches have followed the role of the churches andthe National Christian Council in Japan in promotion of justice, peace and reconciliationwith appreciation and admiration. The National Christian Counciland its members have waged a relentless struggle against the re-militarization ofJapan and for accurate recording of Japan's imperial role in textbooks of history.The NCC Japan has also facilitated the coming together of North and South Koreain an effort to bring about a peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula andits people. The ecumenical movement remains grateful to the churches in Japanfor this daring initiative and the hard work done over the years to facilitate thisprocess. Reconciliation restores broken and unjust relations between persons, communitiesand nations. It is this important ministry of reconciliation to whichchurches are called today. Reconciliation however is a difficult and costly processas we are certain your experience must have shown. It requires courage and propheticwitness. The people and churches in Japan are in a unique position to contributeto this process, not only in the North East Asian region, but also at theglobal level.

We hope you have a good and reflective Assembly that will be a source of joy andcelebration to the participants.